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Our Mushroom Logs come from White oak tree tops. They have been inoculated with the shiitake mycelium.
You can tell if the log has matured and ready for fruiting by observing the white mycelium on the end of the log that has been on the ground. Once a log is inoculated it can take 6 to 12 months before fruiting begins. Most logs that I bring to the market for sale is in the 4 to 6 months range of the inoculated date.
Storing the log: The log should be stored outside in a shaded area. Winter sunlight is ok but avoid direct summer sun. The excessive heat can kill the mycelium if left there for longs periods of time. The log should be placed where one end of the log is on the ground, leaning it up against something is good. I often tell folks the north side of the home is best. Every month or so flip the log so the other end can absorb the moisture from the earth. Avoid letting the log lay on the ground, this will invite unwanted fungi host.
Getting the mushrooms: better known as fruiting. Submerge the log under water for 24hrs. Then place the log in a protected area outdoors like a car port, porch or something to keep the rain off of it. Usually within 3-10 days mushroom will appear. The mushrooms can be harvested as the cap begins to flatten. after a harvest wait 3 to 4 weeks and repeat the process. If no mushrooms appears the second time just let the log rest a few months and try again. Best time for fruiting is in the spring and fall but mushrooms are possible in all four seasons. A well managed log could produce 4 times a year for several years.
Identify your mushrooms, WARNING: This is a all natural product and even with the shiitake mycelium in the log it can produce wild mushrooms on it's own. Fungi is a competing life source always looking for a host to feed on just as everything else in nature. The shiitake mycelium is strong and can hold its own but as the log ages it will weaken and other fungi will take over completing the rotting cycle of the log. Look on the next page at the photos that I've posted that I have commonly seen over the years. I have not encountered a poisonous mushroom that could be confused with the shiitake mushroom in my experience. I will stress identify and if not sure do not eat it.
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